Integrated Adolescent Programme Officer

UNICEF helps build a world where the rights of every child are fully realized. It is our conviction that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF was created in 1946 to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. It has global authority to influence decision-makers, and a wide variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and Governments.

According to the 2022 Zambian Population Census, adolescents make up nearly a quarter (25%) of the total population. Recognizing that adolescence offers a second chance to influence developmental trajectories, compensate for poor childhood experiences, and facilitate productive transitions, investment in adolescents' health, rights, and development by the government and key stakeholders can yield triple benefits: today, into adulthood, and for the next generation of children. Adolescents can act as changemakers and advocates in their communities, further strengthening their ability to advance human rights and build a bright future for themselves, their families, and their countries. When adolescent girls and boys, including the most disadvantaged, are supported and encouraged by caring and nurturing adults, along with good policies and services that are attentive and responsive to their needs and capacities, they can develop their full potential and break the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and violence.

For many years, UNICEF Zambia has collaborated with the Government of Zambia to support integrated adolescent programming. In secondary education, our priorities include keeping girls in school, ensuring safe learning environments, and enhancing access to alternative and flexible learning pathways, recognizing the significant benefits of continued education. Building on the Girls2030 initiative, we strengthen the connections between education, child protection, and health. We also provide life skills, career education, and access to digital learning resources through the Learning Passport Zambia. Additionally, we enhance educators' skills in blended learning to better integrate technology into the classroom.

While notable gains have been observed, adolescents in Zambia face multiple adversities that put them at risk of poor developmental outcomes e.g., 28 % of the pregnant women are adolescents; 29% of females are married by age 18 compared to 2.8 males; 40.4% of girls completed Grade 12 compared to 43.7% of boys; 468,149 children and adolescents are Out of School Children (325,691,M, 142,458, F); 20.9% of adolescents aged 15–19 years experienced physical violence as well as other forms of violence since the age of fifteen. When adolescents face challenges such as early pregnancy, early marriage, and violence, their ability to learn and acquire essential skills is significantly hindered. These vulnerabilities disrupt their educational journey and impede their development, making it difficult for them to transition smoothly from learning to earning.

The Officer will mainly support the implementation of the integrated adolescent programme in Lusaka, Katete and Kasenengwa, support adolescent development empowerment interventions under EU Human Development Programme and UNICEF support to the Ministry of Education (MoE) to expand school connectivity and access to digital learning. The UNV will also be responsible for local level cross-sectoral coordination and capacity-building efforts to lead the programme to success.

Main Tasks
• Assist the UNICEF Zambia Country Office Technical Team in supporting government at national & local level; Including NGOs, implementing Partners and communities; to adopt and implement integrated adolescent programmes and interventions.
• Undertake regular field programme monitoring visits to integrate adolescent programmes and interventions and assist in documenting key findings and recommendations drawn from the field visit reports.
• Assist in tracking the implementation of the recommendations of the field monitoring visits to improve the quality of integrated adolescent programmes and interventions.
• Support data generation and utilization to support programme management and programme monitoring (includes providing support to evidence generation on digital learning and Offline Hubs).
• Advocacy and Engagement – Support Learning Passport advocacy and engagement aimed increasing awareness and use of the Learning Passport to enhance education outcomes.
• Provide support to the coordination of participation activities of out-of-school adolescent girls in digital learning initiatives.
• In consultation with the Education Specialist (supervisor) develop and implement a learning plan to support her/his growth and development.